Plymouth 400 Rebuild

[DixieSatellite]

Hi,

I have a 72 Satellite Sebring with a 400 4-BBL and Slapstik. The matching numbers motor has done 93,000 miles and is a little tired and needing work (heads, cam etc.). Tranny was new 10,000 miles ago.

I am planning to have the engine rebuilt to RR 400 spec. with a stock appearance through a local performance shop, but they haven't quoted me yet. Any ideas re. a good price for a decent rebuild? I don't want a lot of chrome and dress up stuff - just a nice tight blue engine when the hood is popped.

Of course an engine build can be unlimited, but I am budgetting this from overseas and not being able to do the work myself at this time.

Thanks.

'72 Plymouth SSP 400

[DixieSatellite]

Originally posted by DixieSatellite
Hi,

I have a 72 Satellite Sebring with a 400 4-BBL and Slapstik. The matching numbers motor has done 93,000 miles and is a little tired and needing work (heads, cam etc.). Tranny was new 10,000 miles ago.

I am planning to have the engine rebuilt to RR 400 spec. with a stock appearance through a local performance shop, but they haven't quoted me yet. Any ideas re. a good price for a decent rebuild? I don't want a lot of chrome and dress up stuff - just a nice tight blue engine when the hood is popped.

Of course an engine build can be unlimited, but I am budgetting this from overseas and not being able to do the work myself at this time.

Thanks.

'72 Plymouth SSP 400

Any ideas, anyone?

Thanx.

[jelsr]

Can't help on the cost thing due to diff in labor rates. For instance I read in a post that a guy paid $500+ for a cast crank balance job with "heavy" metal. I had one done here for $250. Back to the question on ideas. If you are planning to eventually go for more performance now would be a good time to stick a 383 steel crank in it. Cost should be minimal, it's a virtual bolt in. You will then have an internally balanced engine which is preferred for performance applications. Just a thought.

[6 packin]

First is it a steel crank engine? If not would you consider a old 383 steel crank and balance job? Have every thing machined and reconditioned, the rods re sized both ends with new fastners. Are you wanting to keep the orignal heads? Is big valves and port work a option? A good 400 needs to breath. The factory iron heads will be fine, when modified. Are you wanting to keep the intake, a switch to a Edelbrock Performer RPM will make way more power with nothing else. It can be painted and seems stock, with just as good drivabilty. Which brings me to cam shaft sizes? It will determine the personality of the engine. It needs to match your intake, converter size (a 3000 stall speed would be nice) and rear gears, a 3.55 is a good all around gear. What exhaust do you plan on running? Headers, duels what? What do you intend to do with this car? You dont want a daily driver with 4.10 gears and a Double pump Holley, (well thats what I like) ha ha. Give us some more info so we can help.

[DixieSatellite]

Hi guys,

Thank you very much for your detailed replies. To be honest, I do not know much about the engine in the car - it is the original matching # engine that has never been out of the car and is now tired. I am pretty sure heads / cam need work. Oil pressure is still OK, but it does not have any punch. It have a Thermoquad Replacement Carb (Autozone - Holley) from Az 10 years ago on the original spreadbore manifold. Currently, the car has a new Twin system with Flowmasters tied to original cast iron manifolds.

The car is a keeper which will be used for cruising and for occasional freeway fun (when noone is looking). Right now it is a bit of a tractor and no amount of messing with timing and carb is having much effect, therefore the 400 rebuild issue and as it is a 400 anyway, I should plan to take it up to 72 RR Spec.

Thanks,

Ian B.

[cuda66273]

Sniff sniff....I smell a perfect 451 application

[DartGT66]

I fully agree, a pretty heavy car can use all the displcaement it can get, so I would be on the market looking for a 3.75" stroke crank, 440 length rods and some KB pistons if the budget is kept reasonable.

[DixieSatellite]

So you think a Stroker kit (400 CI +) is the way to go?

'72 Plymouth SSP 400-4BBL

[cuda66273]

[amxauto-x]

How about doing that with a 413 in a '71 Sebring I'm thinking of getting?

[cuda66273]

413 is a 440 crank...same stroke

[rtdonell1]

strok it baby